By Robert Balajadia

The streaking JFK Islanders pulled off another clutch victory over the FD Friars Tuesday night, 63-56, at the FD Phoenix Center to extend their winning streak to seven games, the highest win streak by any team this season.

The Islanders were hanging on to a 53-50 lead with under a minute left when JFK’s Kurtis Silva stripped Friars’ Bruce Merrill on his way to the basket and dished the ball off to a streaking Billy Belger who fought through contact from Friars’ Javier Dimla while drawing the foul and making the shot. Belger hit the free throw to extend the lead 56-50 which ultimately put the Frairs away.

Silva was motivated on defense after Merrill hit three three-pointers in the first quarter followed by a brief exchange of words regarding Silva’s defense.

“Yeah, it did motivate me a little, but whatever happens on the court stays on the court. I’m always trying to play my best defense,” said the humble Silva.

Silva then blocked Merrill’s layup attempt that led to another fast break layup for the Islanders to go up 60-50 in the closing seconds. Silva finished with a game high 20 points while Belger finished with 14. Merrill led the Friars with 16 points.

JFK got off to a hot start early by going up 14-4 after a pair of three pointers from Silva. The Islanders were crashing the offensive boards also scoring eight second chance points in the first quarter. The Friars fought back and cut the lead 22-16 after streaky shooting from Merrill.

FD took the lead in the second quarter, 25-23 off free throws from Tyler Okiyama. Silva then forced Merrill into back-to-back turnovers that led to a Silva three-pointer to give the Islanders back the lead 30-29, a lead they would hold on to throughout the game.

Islanders’ Aljurrell Grape trying to take advantage of an open lane for a layup. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Both teams traded baskets early in the third quarter until the Islanders closed out the third on a 10-2 run to go up 51-41 sparked by Aljurrell Grape off the bench. Grape hit teammate Wayne Jesus under the basket with a no-look pass and then sliced through the Friar defense on a fast break layup a play later.

Nic Aglubat ignited the Friar offense midway through the fourth quarter by scoring four-straight points to trim the once double digit lead to just two possessions, 53-49, with two-minutes left in the game.

Silva then delivered the clutch defensive performance on Merrill while hitting crucial free throws down the stretch to secure the Islander win.

With another clutch victory down the stretch, Silva explained how his team is getting done.

“We’re just working as a team and we’re trusting each other. Everybody can all handle the ball and shoot free throws. We owe it all to God and to coach (Rey Serafico) for helping through these wins,” said Silva.

The Islanders improve to 8-1 while the Friars drop to 5-3, snapping a three-game winning streak.

Other Scores

Okkodo 73, Guam High 67 – (OKH) Ben Borja 16 pts. 8 blks. 13 reb., (OKH) Verne Gustilo 13 pts. 7 ast.
Southern 51, Sanchez 47 – (SHS) Dom Afaisen 17 pts., (SSHS) John Buan 12 pts.
GW 73, St. John’s 50
St. Paul 66, ND 36

PHOTO GALLERY:

Friars’ Jeremiah Taitano attempts for two points with this short jumper through the tough Islanders’ defense. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Islanders’ William Belger spun in an attempt to get to the lane. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Islanders’ William Belger drove hard towards the lane and stopped and shot for two over Friars’ Noel Bien Carlos. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Friars’ Javier Dimla in the lane and attempts a layup. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Friars’ Tristan Jose drove the ball around Islanders’ Ricky Pak and attempts for two off the backboard. (photo by Jesse Castro)